With more than 2 million Americans diagnosed annually with skin cancer, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), along with innovative sun protection companies, have launched a public education campaign to increase awareness about the alarming rise of melanoma, the worrisome popularity of tanning beds, and the large number of ineffective sunscreens—many containing potentially harmful chemicals.

EWG is hoping that the new campaign can make proper sun safety as essential as seat belts in the minds of the public.

“Many of us spend hours outside and don’t take simple steps to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays,” said Ken Cook, president of EWG. “The good news is skin cancer is often preventable, and if we take some rather simple steps, we can bend the skin cancer curve away from rising rates.”

Utilizing social media and tech-savvy initiatives, the Sun Safety campaign hopes to send a wake-up call to Americans—young people in particular—with clear, compelling strategies to reduce the risks of skin damage and cancer related to sun exposure and tanning beds.

According to EWG, the campaign is harnessing advanced imaging technology developed by Canfield Imaging Systems, the leading developer of photographic imaging solutions for the medical and skin care industries, to visualize sun damage and encourage people to form sun-safe habits. The campaign plans to station the Canfield camera at locations around the country so people can see for themselves the damage the sun has already caused to their skins and learn how they can mitigate further harm.

Based on decades of scientific research, the campaign concludes that the best defenses against harmful ultraviolet radiation are protective clothing, shade, timing and safer and more effective sunscreens. Below is a quick summary of sun protection tips from EWG, for more information—including how to pick a good sunscreen—check out the campaign’s website:

Not All Sunscreens Are Equal: Choose the safest, most effective sunblock products by consulting EWG’s online guide to sunscreens.

Regular Skin Checks: for new moles that are tender or growing. Ask your primary care doctor how often you should see a dermatologist.

Comments

bonnielou

So you’re having commercials now? For Squatty potty and sunscreens? Sunscreens are partly responsible for the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D helps prevent many types of cancer, including melanoma. More office workers than outdoor workers get melanoma.

antisandman

Why let evidence interfere with All American advertising? Margarine is better for the heart than butter and we have the increased disease rate to prove it. Lowering cholesterol with statins improves your health even though death rates of users are higher. What could possibly go wrong with using logic and PR to override millennia of evolution and cultural experience? Vitamin D levels be damned. Stay out of the sun!!